Council caused 'unnecessary delays': Avenues developer

Council caused 'unnecessary delays': Avenues developer

Tom has been with News Regional Media since 2013, having worked in newsrooms across south-west Queensland. Prior to his appointment at The Chronicle, he was the editor of the Western Star in Roma for 18 months. Growing up in Brisbane, he studied journalism at Queensland University of Technology. Away from work, he is happily in a relationship with his partner Sarah and enjoys playing music with his band in Toowoomba and supporting the Brisbane Broncos.

THE developer behind the Avenues of Highfields estate says a council-imposed condition caused an "unnecessary delay" to the advancement of the massive project.

Lauder managing director Mac Stirling was short with his words after the TRC voted today to allow the submission of operational works plans for the third stage of the massive housing estate.

The councillors voted unanimously to amend a condition from the previous approval in March, which required a trunk sewer line be connected to the estate prior to works being lodged.

Mr Stirling's only comment was that he felt the process had been drawn out.

"It seems like an unnecessary delay, when there was no risk to council (for us to lodge operational works)," he said.

Precinct Urban Planning's Andrew Bullen called the original condition "unlawful" at the previous meeting, but the officers contended that the applicant's proposed change contravened the original infrastructure agreement.

Avenues of Highfields open day:
Avenues of Highfields's parklands precinct open day on May 8, 2018. Courtesy of Avenues of Highfields Facebook page.

"The changes recommended (today) just reflect what is in the infrastructure agreement.," TRC development services manager Danielle Fitzpatrick said.

The decision comes just days after the Avenues was given the green light by the council to build the required trunk sewer line.

The plans from RMA Engineers were to build a trunk sewerage line from Barracks Rd to the estate, passing through a proposed subdivision by developer Clive Berghofer in the process.

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The proposal has been estimated to cost nearly $320,000, with the council imposing a $43,000 security deposit in case of construction defects.

Mr Berghofer had to fast-track his own subdivision on Reis Rd so the sewer line could run through his land, ensuring he could get access to it.

Mr Stirling declined to comment on the sewer line approval, saying he was yet to receive advice on it.